Inside Look: Jodie Barker

Each month we go behind the scenes to show just how our expert staff work.

This month, we speak to Head of Business Development Jodie Barker.

What’s your role Jodie & how long have you been working here?

I am the Head of Business Development and manage the Sales and Account Management teams. I have been with the company for 2 years in May.

Tell us a little bit about your background, what were you doing before joining CTM?

I have a BA in Humanities and a MA in Event Management and I have always worked in hospitality and customer service roles, although the industries have varied a little. I have worked overseas for a travel company for several years, for several event companies in London and my main progression came from managing a central sales team in London that managed several bars, restaurants and nightclubs before moving to CTM.

On an average day, what do you spend most of your time doing?

Currently analysing data, forward planning and forecasting sales, motoring our sales pipeline and opportunities and assisting the team when needed with key accounts or prospect accounts. I also spend a lot of time trying to streamline processes and ensure the team have all the right material available for them to do the best job possible. I am also always looking for new opportunities and work on large tenders when available.

Sales is a hard role so keeping the team motivated can be tough, but I have an excellent group of people in our office and we all work hard together to keep each other going.

What do we offer which makes us stand out? In your view, why do our clients choose us over any other TMC?

The staff in operations are amazing with the knowledge they have and excellent service they offer, the sales and account management team are passionate and enthusiastic and our online booking system is the best I have seen. The combination of these three elements make us truly unique and an excellent Travel Management Company to work with.

What is it about the job that you most enjoy?

The different clients we work with and the constant changes that happen in the travel industry, it ensures that no 2 days are ever the same. The people at CTM are also fantastic and I love working alongside them too.

Are there any particularly interesting projects you’re working on, either at the moment or on the horizon?

We are currently working on a very exciting project alongside the online booking system, but it’s still early days at the moment so I can’t say too much. Once finished though it will open CTM to a whole new market.